Reasons for Procedure

A laminectomy is usually done to help take pressure off your spinal cord or a nerve running out from your spinal cord. It is also done to gain access to the spinal cord, bones, and discs that are below the lamina.
Herniated discs
, bony spurs, or other problems can cause narrowing of the canals that the nerves and spinal cord run through. This can irritate the nerve if it gets too narrow. Often, a laminectomy is done along with a disk removal to help make the canal larger and take pressure off the nerve being irritated.

When the spinal cord or other nerves get irritated, they can cause:

Weakness

Numbness

Pain in an arm or leg

Physical therapy and medication will be tried first.

The surgery is done when other treatments have not worked. It is most often done to treat symptoms that keep getting worse.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

If the surgery is done
with minimally invasive techniques, you will only need a few small incisions. A scope and small instruments will be inserted into these incisions. In some cases, open surgery will be done. This involves making a larger cut in the skin over the area in the back.

Once the area is visible, part or all of the lamina will be removed using a drill or other tools. The affected nerves may be moved into a better location to reduce further irritation. The spinal cord and discs between the vertebra will be inspected. If needed, the disc will also be removed to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Other issues like bone spurs will be addressed as well.

When the work is complete, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples.

How Long Will It Take?

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. You will have pain during recovery. Pain medication will help manage pain.

Average Hospital Stay

The length of stay will depend on the amount of work that was done. You may be able to go home the same day or you may need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Recovery at the hospital may include:

Walking with assistance the evening after surgery or the next day

A back or neck brace

Special socks or boots to help prevent blood clots

At Home

The type and extent of surgery will determine how long you will be in recovery. Activities that place stress on the back such as bending or lifting will be restricted for a few months. Your return to work will depend on the physical requirements of your job. Staying active with appropriate activity like walking is important to speed recovery. Physical therapy will be recommended to help reagin strength and flexibility.

Medications will help manage pain and swelling pain.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Persistent nausea and/or vomiting

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Trouble urinating or having a bowel movement

New numbness or weakness in the hips, groin, or legs

Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.